Although it is primarily a clothing and accessory store, TK Maxx also sells a limited range of food.

The report said: "Although a pest contract was active, the fact that food was being attacked showed it was not sufficient. This pest infestation has been ongoing for over a month."

TK Maxx (stock image) (Image: Andrew Teebay)

The store had been ordered to review its pest control procedures and to make sure adequate improvements are put in place.

A zero star rating means that means that urgent improvement is necessary for the store to be allowed to sell food, and can result in food licences being revoked or even stores being closed in extreme cases.

The store management was ordered to remove all contaminated foods from displays and dispose of them appropriately.

The report noted: "It was apparent that there was no instruction from the Company on procedures to prevent the sale of contaminated foods, including packaging of foods contaminated by rodent urine."

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It notes that a "voluntary closure agreement" was established on the day of the inspection, which requires the store to stop the sale of food with immediate effect, and that the agreement will remain in place until the store fixes all of the issues raised by inspectors.

The store was ordered to contact the inspector once the necessary work has been carried out in order for another inspection to take place.

TK Maxx has taken "corrective action" since the inspection.

A spokesperson said: "The safety of our customers and hygiene of our stores is important to us. We have taken corrective action in this store, and ensured that appropriate pest control procedures are in place going forward."